The Government of India is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to foster the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities. Under this scheme, the Adarsh Gram Component focuses on the holistic development of selected villages. The objective of the scheme is to address developmental gaps and promote the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Caste communities through the convergence of various schemes implemented by the Central and State governments.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale shared this information in a written reply to Shri Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi in the Rajya Sabha. The House was informed that 47,328 villages across the country have been selected under the Adarsh Gram Component of PM-AJAY, including 435 villages from Telangana. State-wise details of the selected villages have been laid on the table of the House.
The House was also apprised that 3,28,131 development works and 1,10,51,213 beneficiaries have been identified across the country under the scheme. Of these, 46,642 development works have been completed so far, benefiting 47,59,399 beneficiaries.
In a written reply regarding Telangana, it was stated that 3,529 beneficiaries have been identified under the education sector. Of these, 472 beneficiaries have received the benefits of the scheme so far.
A written reply stated that the Adarsh Gram Component focuses on the holistic development of selected villages based on 50 monitorable socio-economic indicators across 10 sectors, including education. To achieve this, gaps are identified through need assessment surveys and addressed by converging Central and State government schemes with interventions under PM-AJAY. State-wise progress is regularly updated on the PMAGY portal.
In response to a question regarding third-party audits, the House was informed that instructions have been issued to States and Union Territories to verify the self-declaration of ‘Adarsh Grams’ under the Adarsh Gram Component of the PM-AJAY scheme.
(PIB)
